What do you think?
Rate this book
Rhiannon's Law #1
Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between
Alternate cover edition for 9781594267130
One bad corpse can ruin your whole day.
No one knows that better than Rhiannon Murphy.
She left behind the flash and sass of Miami for the no-nonsense groove of New York City, eager for a clean slate and a fresh start. A bartender by trade, a loud mouth by choice, and a necromancer by chance; she managed to keep her nifty talent hidden from those around her—until now.
The deliciously good-looking vampire, Disco, knows her secret. When he strolls into her bar to solicit help investigating the mysterious disappearances of his kind from the city, Rhiannon discovers he’s not the kind of person that appreciates the significance of the word no.
But in a world where vampires peddle their blood as the latest and greatest drug of choice, it’s only a matter of time before the next big thing hits the market. Someone or something is killing vampires to steal their hearts, and unlike Rhiannon, this isn’t their first stroll around the undead block.
One bad corpse can ruin your whole day.
No one knows that better than Rhiannon Murphy.
She left behind the flash and sass of Miami for the no-nonsense groove of New York City, eager for a clean slate and a fresh start. A bartender by trade, a loud mouth by choice, and a necromancer by chance; she managed to keep her nifty talent hidden from those around her—until now.
The deliciously good-looking vampire, Disco, knows her secret. When he strolls into her bar to solicit help investigating the mysterious disappearances of his kind from the city, Rhiannon discovers he’s not the kind of person that appreciates the significance of the word no.
But in a world where vampires peddle their blood as the latest and greatest drug of choice, it’s only a matter of time before the next big thing hits the market. Someone or something is killing vampires to steal their hearts, and unlike Rhiannon, this isn’t their first stroll around the undead block.
208 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2009
116 people are currently reading
12385 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Saare
23 books744 followersJ.A. Saare is a multi-published author who has written stories featured in horror
magazines, zombie romance anthologies, and flash fiction contests. Her work has a notable dark undertone, which she credits to her love of old eighties horror films, tastes in music, and choices in reading, and has been described as “full of sensual promise,” “gritty and sexy,” and “a breath
of fresh air.”
Currently she is penning projects within the urban fantasy, erotic and contemporary, and paranormal romance categories. You can visit her online at www.jasaare.com. Those interested in her “naughtier” side can visit her alias, Aline Hunter, at www.alinehunter.com.
magazines, zombie romance anthologies, and flash fiction contests. Her work has a notable dark undertone, which she credits to her love of old eighties horror films, tastes in music, and choices in reading, and has been described as “full of sensual promise,” “gritty and sexy,” and “a breath
of fresh air.”
Currently she is penning projects within the urban fantasy, erotic and contemporary, and paranormal romance categories. You can visit her online at www.jasaare.com. Those interested in her “naughtier” side can visit her alias, Aline Hunter, at www.alinehunter.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews
February 5, 2011
First of all, please allow me to get this off my chest: Why on earth would a self-respecting vampire want to be called Disco?! It’s just ridiculous. I guess the author wanted to be original and Disco is original, that’s for sure, as in: no-one-would-ever-be-crazy-enough-to-do-it.
I have become like the ancient Fae in Fever: I read so much UF books, the only thing I judge them by is whether they amuse me or not. This particular book only mildly amused me. It was a good story, but very sloppy writing. It’s just my luck to pick two such books in a row.
I liked the story well enough, and because of that I was reluctant to write about all the inconsistencies I noticed. I don’t understand how things like that can happen: they are not some small errors than can just slip by all the controls and proofreading. They are MAJOR mistakes obvious to anyone who bothers to think while reading.
There were also too many grammatical errors. The sad thing is even I noticed them, and my English is terrible. It really ruined the novel for me, and it’s too bad, because the story had great potential.
Admittedly, it is not very original: Rihannon is a necromancer, and Gabriel (I refuse to call him Disco) is a vampire, and she’s helping him find the person behind the killings of his bloodsucking friends. Guilty Pleasures all over again. Then we have vampire blood sold as a very expensive drug on the streets. Been there, done that, have 10 Sookie Stackhouse novels to prove it.
So decide for yourselves: do you want to read a story you know all too well? I obviously did, and it was fun from time to time, but that’s all I can say. It didn’t change my life and it didn’t blow my mind. It only made me smile a couple of times.
I have become like the ancient Fae in Fever: I read so much UF books, the only thing I judge them by is whether they amuse me or not. This particular book only mildly amused me. It was a good story, but very sloppy writing. It’s just my luck to pick two such books in a row.
I liked the story well enough, and because of that I was reluctant to write about all the inconsistencies I noticed. I don’t understand how things like that can happen: they are not some small errors than can just slip by all the controls and proofreading. They are MAJOR mistakes obvious to anyone who bothers to think while reading.
There were also too many grammatical errors. The sad thing is even I noticed them, and my English is terrible. It really ruined the novel for me, and it’s too bad, because the story had great potential.
Admittedly, it is not very original: Rihannon is a necromancer, and Gabriel (I refuse to call him Disco) is a vampire, and she’s helping him find the person behind the killings of his bloodsucking friends. Guilty Pleasures all over again. Then we have vampire blood sold as a very expensive drug on the streets. Been there, done that, have 10 Sookie Stackhouse novels to prove it.
So decide for yourselves: do you want to read a story you know all too well? I obviously did, and it was fun from time to time, but that’s all I can say. It didn’t change my life and it didn’t blow my mind. It only made me smile a couple of times.
November 6, 2017
Don't let the title of the book fool you, Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between is quite a lively tale!
Rhiannon Murphy sees dead people. But unlike a certain member of the Osment family, she doesn't whine about it, she simply looks the ghosts in the eye and tells them to go find someone else to haunt! But when her abilities to see and communicate with ghosts attract the attention of a vampire named Disco, Rhiannon may finally have found something that scares even her. Someone has been murdering vampires...and stealing their hearts! And as Rhiannon works more closely with Disco, she realizes that he's beginning to steal HER heart. Rhiannon's finds her feelings for Disco are quite dangerous...but not nearly as dangerous as the unknown enemy that's now hunting her!
I entered this book looking for a kick-ass heroine, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. Rhiannon is strong, sassy, and there are many layers to her underneath her gruff exterior. Much of the story is focused directly on Rhiannon, and that is crucial to the book's success, as she is a lot of fun to read about. Like many people, I sometimes cast actors as characters while reading, so for Rhiannon, I needed to go with someone who can perfectly portray a tough-talking and even tougher-acting lady. Add to that the fact that the author describes Rhiannon as having dark hair, dark eyes, and a smoky voice, and I almost wonder why Saare didn't just name the character "Eliza Dushku" and be done with it!
Dushku says, "Yeah, I know my shoes don't match my outfit. Go ahead, say something about it...I dare you!!!"
In addition to Rhiannon, there are other engaging characters to be found within these pages. Disco is a perfect foil for Rhiannon, as he's much more sensitive and reserved than Rhiannon, yet just as strong in his own way. Disco also associates with a family of vampires, some of which also have personalities that sparkle. Ummm...I mean sparkle in the figurative way...not the "Twilight" way... But after Rhiannon, I think my next favorite character would have to be Ethan (who Rhiannon insists on referring to only as "Goose", much to his chagrin). Ethan is a paranormal investigator who tries to help Rhiannon hone her abilities to communicate with the dead, and he is just awkward enough to be charming without being annoying. His annoyance with Rhiannon's methods provide some much-needed comic relief as the story progresses.
And what a story it is! I don't want to give away too much, but I will say that there were quite a few elements that I really enjoyed. One rather compelling plot point involves vampires selling their blood as a kind of recreational "drug" to humans, as it gives humans enhanced abilities for a few hours. The supernatural elements manage to be exciting and even spine-tingling at times. The overall mystery as to who is killing the vampires is also quite gripping, and I never saw the reveal coming. But one crucial subplot involves the growing love between Rhiannon and Disco. Now, personally, I'm not usually one to pick up a romance novel...it's not that I'm "anti-love" or anything, but it's just not my first genre of choice. However, despite that, I felt this paranormal romance was very well executed! There are moments that are quite tender and moving. While there is a little too much "insta-love" on Disco's part at first, overall it really feels like you're experiencing two people growing more and more deeply in love with each other. Urban fantasy and paranormal romance go almost hand-in-hand these days, and while sometimes the romance element can feel shoe-horned, in this case it flowed perfectly.
I was very close to giving this the full 5 stars...but there was one aspect of the story that hindered my enjoyment of the book at times. While Rhiannon is great throughout most of the book, there are times where she's just grating instead! Yes, her sass is fun for the most part, but there are moments where she can be just downright mean. One baffling occurrence of this is when she goes to interview a suspect, and she feels the need to make cruel jokes about the receptionist's weight. And then she even tops it off by flipping the receptionist the bird...despite the fact that the receptionist never does anything to warrant this animosity. While I applaud Saare for being brave enough to give us a genuinely flawed lead character, Rhiannon has her moments where she's completely unlikable. Rhiannon may be the book's greatest asset, but there are times she winds up in the liability column.
Even with it's somewhat flawed heroine, I still highly recommend this book. As there is a growing buzz around the "Rhiannon's Law" series, I wonder if this story will make it to the big screen someday. If so, I'm holding out hope that Eliza Dushku will get the part as Rhiannon... as is Ms. Dushku, no doubt, it's been far too long since she had a starring role! BRING BACK DUSHKU!!!
"I'll be back one day, folks, this world will always need... FAITH! (See what I did there?!)"
Rhiannon Murphy sees dead people. But unlike a certain member of the Osment family, she doesn't whine about it, she simply looks the ghosts in the eye and tells them to go find someone else to haunt! But when her abilities to see and communicate with ghosts attract the attention of a vampire named Disco, Rhiannon may finally have found something that scares even her. Someone has been murdering vampires...and stealing their hearts! And as Rhiannon works more closely with Disco, she realizes that he's beginning to steal HER heart. Rhiannon's finds her feelings for Disco are quite dangerous...but not nearly as dangerous as the unknown enemy that's now hunting her!
I entered this book looking for a kick-ass heroine, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. Rhiannon is strong, sassy, and there are many layers to her underneath her gruff exterior. Much of the story is focused directly on Rhiannon, and that is crucial to the book's success, as she is a lot of fun to read about. Like many people, I sometimes cast actors as characters while reading, so for Rhiannon, I needed to go with someone who can perfectly portray a tough-talking and even tougher-acting lady. Add to that the fact that the author describes Rhiannon as having dark hair, dark eyes, and a smoky voice, and I almost wonder why Saare didn't just name the character "Eliza Dushku" and be done with it!
Dushku says, "Yeah, I know my shoes don't match my outfit. Go ahead, say something about it...I dare you!!!"
In addition to Rhiannon, there are other engaging characters to be found within these pages. Disco is a perfect foil for Rhiannon, as he's much more sensitive and reserved than Rhiannon, yet just as strong in his own way. Disco also associates with a family of vampires, some of which also have personalities that sparkle. Ummm...I mean sparkle in the figurative way...not the "Twilight" way... But after Rhiannon, I think my next favorite character would have to be Ethan (who Rhiannon insists on referring to only as "Goose", much to his chagrin). Ethan is a paranormal investigator who tries to help Rhiannon hone her abilities to communicate with the dead, and he is just awkward enough to be charming without being annoying. His annoyance with Rhiannon's methods provide some much-needed comic relief as the story progresses.
And what a story it is! I don't want to give away too much, but I will say that there were quite a few elements that I really enjoyed. One rather compelling plot point involves vampires selling their blood as a kind of recreational "drug" to humans, as it gives humans enhanced abilities for a few hours. The supernatural elements manage to be exciting and even spine-tingling at times. The overall mystery as to who is killing the vampires is also quite gripping, and I never saw the reveal coming. But one crucial subplot involves the growing love between Rhiannon and Disco. Now, personally, I'm not usually one to pick up a romance novel...it's not that I'm "anti-love" or anything, but it's just not my first genre of choice. However, despite that, I felt this paranormal romance was very well executed! There are moments that are quite tender and moving. While there is a little too much "insta-love" on Disco's part at first, overall it really feels like you're experiencing two people growing more and more deeply in love with each other. Urban fantasy and paranormal romance go almost hand-in-hand these days, and while sometimes the romance element can feel shoe-horned, in this case it flowed perfectly.
I was very close to giving this the full 5 stars...but there was one aspect of the story that hindered my enjoyment of the book at times. While Rhiannon is great throughout most of the book, there are times where she's just grating instead! Yes, her sass is fun for the most part, but there are moments where she can be just downright mean. One baffling occurrence of this is when she goes to interview a suspect, and she feels the need to make cruel jokes about the receptionist's weight. And then she even tops it off by flipping the receptionist the bird...despite the fact that the receptionist never does anything to warrant this animosity. While I applaud Saare for being brave enough to give us a genuinely flawed lead character, Rhiannon has her moments where she's completely unlikable. Rhiannon may be the book's greatest asset, but there are times she winds up in the liability column.
Even with it's somewhat flawed heroine, I still highly recommend this book. As there is a growing buzz around the "Rhiannon's Law" series, I wonder if this story will make it to the big screen someday. If so, I'm holding out hope that Eliza Dushku will get the part as Rhiannon... as is Ms. Dushku, no doubt, it's been far too long since she had a starring role! BRING BACK DUSHKU!!!
"I'll be back one day, folks, this world will always need... FAITH! (See what I did there?!)"
December 13, 2010
I really want people to read the books I like. Since I can not force you to sit down and read the book (I am a book nerd, and yes I admit it), I have to write a review and convince you that the book is worth your time, money and the other books that get put on the back burner while reading this one. The problem is I am not very good at writing reviews. Not everything that is in my head comes out on the computer screen. Nevertheless, here it goes...
The story:
Rhiannon Murphy, is a kick ass, take no prisoner chick that has an exterior that makes even vampires stand up and notice. In reality, her inner self is full of pain, and vulnerability. With an abusive past, and some supernatural skills she never wanted, she tries to make herself invisible by playing the bartender role at a strip club. However, Rhiannon's desire to fade into the woodwork does not go exactly as planned. Disco, a truly delicious, I mean good-looking man, I mean vampire, knows that Rhiannon is a Necromancer, and he has plans for Rhiannon, whether she likes it or not.
The action in this book is intense, and the scenes are vivid. I was scared when Rhiannon was scared, I was pissed when Rhiannon was pissed; when she had doubts about whom she could trust, I felt like helping her along. I really liked Rhiannon. Usually, when an urban fantasy tough chick is so tough, she comes across as almost brutish. In this case, the author created the perfect UF chick- tough but tender. Ms. Saare did not overplay Rhiannon's supernatural skills, nor did she make Rhiannon out to be too much the victim.
The other characters in this book, especially Disco and Goose, add to the story and make it very believable (can a paranormal book be believable?). The setting was perfect and described to make you, the reader, feel like you were right there.
The cliffhanger:
I would say I hated the ending. However, in truth, I loved it. The cliffhanger is huge. You will want to read the next book immediately. Like the Fever series books by Karen Marie Moning (a series that has many cliffhangers that have been known to drive the fans...off a cliff), cliffhangers are only as frustrating as the book is good. If the book were not good, we would not care about the cliffhanger since your investment in the book is not that great.
Will I read the next book?-
I HAVE to read the next book. I am dying to know what happened and I am begging Ms. Saare to forgo everything else and hurry with the next book in the series. PLEASE!!!
Update- Just placed this book on my "Favorite Book of 2010" shelf
The story:
Rhiannon Murphy, is a kick ass, take no prisoner chick that has an exterior that makes even vampires stand up and notice. In reality, her inner self is full of pain, and vulnerability. With an abusive past, and some supernatural skills she never wanted, she tries to make herself invisible by playing the bartender role at a strip club. However, Rhiannon's desire to fade into the woodwork does not go exactly as planned. Disco, a truly delicious, I mean good-looking man, I mean vampire, knows that Rhiannon is a Necromancer, and he has plans for Rhiannon, whether she likes it or not.
The action in this book is intense, and the scenes are vivid. I was scared when Rhiannon was scared, I was pissed when Rhiannon was pissed; when she had doubts about whom she could trust, I felt like helping her along. I really liked Rhiannon. Usually, when an urban fantasy tough chick is so tough, she comes across as almost brutish. In this case, the author created the perfect UF chick- tough but tender. Ms. Saare did not overplay Rhiannon's supernatural skills, nor did she make Rhiannon out to be too much the victim.
The other characters in this book, especially Disco and Goose, add to the story and make it very believable (can a paranormal book be believable?). The setting was perfect and described to make you, the reader, feel like you were right there.
The cliffhanger:
I would say I hated the ending. However, in truth, I loved it. The cliffhanger is huge. You will want to read the next book immediately. Like the Fever series books by Karen Marie Moning (a series that has many cliffhangers that have been known to drive the fans...off a cliff), cliffhangers are only as frustrating as the book is good. If the book were not good, we would not care about the cliffhanger since your investment in the book is not that great.
Will I read the next book?-
I HAVE to read the next book. I am dying to know what happened and I am begging Ms. Saare to forgo everything else and hurry with the next book in the series. PLEASE!!!
Update- Just placed this book on my "Favorite Book of 2010" shelf
September 13, 2014
I'm always on the lookout for a great new urban fantasy series to rock my world. Unfortunately, I don't think this one was it.
First, and I have to get this off my chest, who decided it was a good idea to give the hot, dangerous vampire MC the nickname "Disco"? DISCO!? That is so not sexy. I wanted to cringe every time they said his name. Disco... *shudders*
Now that I got that off my chest... Overall, this book had some really nice ideas. I happen to love books with necromancers (Ilona Andrews does a ton of them) and I actively seek them out from the sea of paranormal romance. There is something so cool about speaking or manipulating the dead. This book really had a ton of potential, plot-wise. However, I had a few little niggles that added up in a big way.
My main issue with the story is the MC, Rhiannon. I flat-out didn't like her. I just didn't get her as a character. She was sort of cartoonishly the "tough girl," with all of her cursing and attitude. However, instead of coming across as independent and confident, she came across as a tantrum-y teenager to me. I also thought it was weird that someone with her powers wouldn't be more curious about the extent of her abilities, or how they would affect her around other supernatural creatures.
I also had some content issues with this story. The plot of a vampire selling their blood as a narcotic on the black market has been done before (Sookie Stackhouse series, Dead Until Dark) so that was nothing really new. In addition, I had some logistical problems with a few scenes. In one part of the book, Disco is supposed to be protecting Rhiannon, which would work out great except she is in someone's house and he can't enter people's houses (!!??). Huh? That was a poorly thought out idea... There were a few other scenes of that nature that just didn't quite work out logic-wise.
Lastly, I didn't get what drove the chemistry between Disco and Rhiannon. When they finally got together, it was hot, but I didn't see why Disco was attracted to someone so standoffish in the first place.
I know I seem to be focusing on the negatives, but this book had a lot of good in it. It had some interesting concepts, a nicely paced plot, and a good amount of sex appeal. I've heard people say that the series gets better and better, and I'm willing to bet that that's true. However, this one just didn't quite work for me.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
First, and I have to get this off my chest, who decided it was a good idea to give the hot, dangerous vampire MC the nickname "Disco"? DISCO!? That is so not sexy. I wanted to cringe every time they said his name. Disco... *shudders*
Now that I got that off my chest... Overall, this book had some really nice ideas. I happen to love books with necromancers (Ilona Andrews does a ton of them) and I actively seek them out from the sea of paranormal romance. There is something so cool about speaking or manipulating the dead. This book really had a ton of potential, plot-wise. However, I had a few little niggles that added up in a big way.
My main issue with the story is the MC, Rhiannon. I flat-out didn't like her. I just didn't get her as a character. She was sort of cartoonishly the "tough girl," with all of her cursing and attitude. However, instead of coming across as independent and confident, she came across as a tantrum-y teenager to me. I also thought it was weird that someone with her powers wouldn't be more curious about the extent of her abilities, or how they would affect her around other supernatural creatures.
I also had some content issues with this story. The plot of a vampire selling their blood as a narcotic on the black market has been done before (Sookie Stackhouse series, Dead Until Dark) so that was nothing really new. In addition, I had some logistical problems with a few scenes. In one part of the book, Disco is supposed to be protecting Rhiannon, which would work out great except she is in someone's house and he can't enter people's houses (!!??). Huh? That was a poorly thought out idea... There were a few other scenes of that nature that just didn't quite work out logic-wise.
Lastly, I didn't get what drove the chemistry between Disco and Rhiannon. When they finally got together, it was hot, but I didn't see why Disco was attracted to someone so standoffish in the first place.
I know I seem to be focusing on the negatives, but this book had a lot of good in it. It had some interesting concepts, a nicely paced plot, and a good amount of sex appeal. I've heard people say that the series gets better and better, and I'm willing to bet that that's true. However, this one just didn't quite work for me.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
April 4, 2017
DNF.
Iik, nope, I'll stay away from this one.
There were -IMHO- two big problems with this book:
1. The MC was whining too much and complaining about her powers
2. It was boring as hell.
So yeah, the plot might get interesting at one point (from what I've heard from other reviews), but I think it's just not worth the hassle. I always hate heroines who complain about who/what they are and I especially hate it in UF. I want my bad-ass chicks and alpha heroes, not whiny little children who aren't happy with who they are.
Why the 2 stars, though? Frankly, because I've read worse. Way, way worse.
On to the next one!
Iik, nope, I'll stay away from this one.
There were -IMHO- two big problems with this book:
1. The MC was whining too much and complaining about her powers
2. It was boring as hell.
So yeah, the plot might get interesting at one point (from what I've heard from other reviews), but I think it's just not worth the hassle. I always hate heroines who complain about who/what they are and I especially hate it in UF. I want my bad-ass chicks and alpha heroes, not whiny little children who aren't happy with who they are.
Why the 2 stars, though? Frankly, because I've read worse. Way, way worse.
On to the next one!
December 20, 2011
Rhiannon's Law #27: When you're working in a gentlemens club and one of your dancers takes off their heels, alert the big guns; an ass kicking is on the menu.
From the moment I read that first line in the book I knew I was going to be glued to this story. The story begins with a kick ass twenty five year old Rhiannon a bartender at a "gentlemen's club" or let's just call it what it is, a strip joint. She's a snarky, heroic, guarded, foul mouth spewing, tough as nails, "shit kicker wearing" Necromancer. I love those protagonist with the badass attitudes and the fighting skills to back it up and she makes no apologies for her sassy attitude. But I just love it!!!
"What the fuck do you want?"
"Have you always been so refined, that attitude and that mouth? he sucked air through his teeth and grimaced. "Do you kiss your mother with it?"
Her parents died when she was a young girl, and she first discovered her necromancy when her parents showed up to their own funeral. Since then she was raised by ruthless foster parents that only led to her life alone and fending for herself. As you read the gritty details of her sad and heartbreaking childhood unfolds and it's then that you realize that Rhiannon is lucky to alive at all.
Although Rhiannon hides her Necromancy skills from others, she can no longer hide it from vampire Disco once he has discovered it, and he asksforces her to use her skills to seek out missing vampires to confirm if they truly have met the true death. So first I must get this off my chest: My first thought of Disco was; What self respecting vampire would actually name themselves Disco??!! It sounds like some hideous nightclub outside the strip of Vegas filled with college spring breakers!! But keep reading there's also a back story to that, and even an angelic name to go with it. Besides once I got to know Disco, I decided the could call himself "The Tooth Fairy" for all I cared because his masculinity, charm, strength, and straight up deliciousness made up for ridiculousness of having the name Disco.
"Don't you know?" When I shook my head a breathtaking grin lit his face making his eyes shimmer. "I felt drawn to you the first time I saw you, Rhiannon. I've tried to deny the complexities of my feelings, but every time I'm in your presence they always return. Our kind experiences all things intensely, and emotions are equally difficult to suppress. As selfish as it makes me,I won't hide the way I feel for you any longer. I couldn't if I wanted to. The least I could do is put down the cigarettes you so obviously detest."
*Swoon* that's just a small taste of just how thoughtful, caring and worthy of a fan girl scream Disco reall is. ;) *Sigh*
Rhiannon quickly becomes infiltrated into the vampire community, a sexy mysterious vampire named Paine as well as partnering up with a fellow Necromancer commonly referred to as Goose and he helps to hone in her skills on the search for Disco's missing friends Cash and Baxter. Now I must say at I was especially happy with the choice name of vampire Baxter,because well that's my last name and all. ;)
Goose is fun, intelligent, nerdy character and his loyalty knows no limit. I look forward to reading more about him in the next book.
It was a universal law. To maintain that delicate balance, someone had to excell at one thing, and do piss poor at another. Since Goose had an Einstein brain, it was only fair that he had Steve Urkel-like reflexes.
Basically without spoiling any of the plot Rhiannon, Disco, and Goose become engrossed in the challenge of discovering who or what is actually killing vampires by cutting out their hearts???!!
In case my review doesn't tempt you enough to read it, I borrowed a visual for all my lovely friends on here from J.A. Sarre's GR page so you can see what Rhiannon and the gang are up against. :)
See this plot is so unique form all the other vampires books out there, J.A. Saare has such a unique modern take on vampires as well as some of the old mythology, I was fascinated from the beginning. There's so many twists and turns throughout this book, just when you were sure you had solved the mystery, think again! Never was there a dull moment while reading this book, and when I wasn't reading it I was thinking about it.
He lowered his chin, grinned wickedly, and his voice dropped an octave, oozing with sexual innuendo.
"Unless there is something more I can do for you. Is there anything else you would like me to do for you Rhiannon?"
"Bite me," I snapped, and winced at my choice of words.
His grin intensified, eye glistening. "I already have."
The steamy lovin scenes in this book were so scorchingly hot, I felt like I was a virgin again experiencing it all along with Rhiannon. This book alone would get 5 stars from me based on those scenes alone.; Disco really excellls in his sexy meter and drool worthy status, and I can't wait to see more of him. He's easily one of my top favorite vampires. ;)
"I'm not asking for your soul Rhiannon. I'm only asking you to take a chance. How long has it been since you've done that? Allow yourself to fall. I'll catch you.".
What rock have I been living under and why haven't I read this before now?! I added a long time ago to my Tbr pile
Rhiannon's Law #101: Never make a deal with a demon, they're evil bastards and will screw your ass over and....(you must read the book to find out the remainder of that sentence...;)
The cliffhanger J.A.Saare left us with was so evil and I'm so grateful I stumbled back onto this series after reading my friend Jamie's review (thank you Jamie) because It would have been torture to have to wait for Renfield to be released, luckily I have already downloaded it, even though I'm apprehensive to read it because I'm anxious of the outcome.
I personally have one question remaining:
"Where the hell did Doc park the DeLorean?"
From the moment I read that first line in the book I knew I was going to be glued to this story. The story begins with a kick ass twenty five year old Rhiannon a bartender at a "gentlemen's club" or let's just call it what it is, a strip joint. She's a snarky, heroic, guarded, foul mouth spewing, tough as nails, "shit kicker wearing" Necromancer. I love those protagonist with the badass attitudes and the fighting skills to back it up and she makes no apologies for her sassy attitude. But I just love it!!!
"What the fuck do you want?"
"Have you always been so refined, that attitude and that mouth? he sucked air through his teeth and grimaced. "Do you kiss your mother with it?"
Her parents died when she was a young girl, and she first discovered her necromancy when her parents showed up to their own funeral. Since then she was raised by ruthless foster parents that only led to her life alone and fending for herself. As you read the gritty details of her sad and heartbreaking childhood unfolds and it's then that you realize that Rhiannon is lucky to alive at all.
Although Rhiannon hides her Necromancy skills from others, she can no longer hide it from vampire Disco once he has discovered it, and he asks
"Don't you know?" When I shook my head a breathtaking grin lit his face making his eyes shimmer. "I felt drawn to you the first time I saw you, Rhiannon. I've tried to deny the complexities of my feelings, but every time I'm in your presence they always return. Our kind experiences all things intensely, and emotions are equally difficult to suppress. As selfish as it makes me,I won't hide the way I feel for you any longer. I couldn't if I wanted to. The least I could do is put down the cigarettes you so obviously detest."
*Swoon* that's just a small taste of just how thoughtful, caring and worthy of a fan girl scream Disco reall is. ;) *Sigh*
Rhiannon quickly becomes infiltrated into the vampire community, a sexy mysterious vampire named Paine as well as partnering up with a fellow Necromancer commonly referred to as Goose and he helps to hone in her skills on the search for Disco's missing friends Cash and Baxter. Now I must say at I was especially happy with the choice name of vampire Baxter,because well that's my last name and all. ;)
Goose is fun, intelligent, nerdy character and his loyalty knows no limit. I look forward to reading more about him in the next book.
It was a universal law. To maintain that delicate balance, someone had to excell at one thing, and do piss poor at another. Since Goose had an Einstein brain, it was only fair that he had Steve Urkel-like reflexes.
Basically without spoiling any of the plot Rhiannon, Disco, and Goose become engrossed in the challenge of discovering who or what is actually killing vampires by cutting out their hearts???!!
In case my review doesn't tempt you enough to read it, I borrowed a visual for all my lovely friends on here from J.A. Sarre's GR page so you can see what Rhiannon and the gang are up against. :)
See this plot is so unique form all the other vampires books out there, J.A. Saare has such a unique modern take on vampires as well as some of the old mythology, I was fascinated from the beginning. There's so many twists and turns throughout this book, just when you were sure you had solved the mystery, think again! Never was there a dull moment while reading this book, and when I wasn't reading it I was thinking about it.
He lowered his chin, grinned wickedly, and his voice dropped an octave, oozing with sexual innuendo.
"Unless there is something more I can do for you. Is there anything else you would like me to do for you Rhiannon?"
"Bite me," I snapped, and winced at my choice of words.
His grin intensified, eye glistening. "I already have."
The steamy lovin scenes in this book were so scorchingly hot, I felt like I was a virgin again experiencing it all along with Rhiannon. This book alone would get 5 stars from me based on those scenes alone.; Disco really excellls in his sexy meter and drool worthy status, and I can't wait to see more of him. He's easily one of my top favorite vampires. ;)
"I'm not asking for your soul Rhiannon. I'm only asking you to take a chance. How long has it been since you've done that? Allow yourself to fall. I'll catch you.".
What rock have I been living under and why haven't I read this before now?! I added a long time ago to my Tbr pile
Rhiannon's Law #101: Never make a deal with a demon, they're evil bastards and will screw your ass over and....(you must read the book to find out the remainder of that sentence...;)
The cliffhanger J.A.Saare left us with was so evil and I'm so grateful I stumbled back onto this series after reading my friend Jamie's review (thank you Jamie) because It would have been torture to have to wait for Renfield to be released, luckily I have already downloaded it, even though I'm apprehensive to read it because I'm anxious of the outcome.
I personally have one question remaining:
"Where the hell did Doc park the DeLorean?"
February 13, 2017
“Rhiannon's Law #37: Don't get so high and mighty, God will only reward that arrogance with a huge bitch slap back to reality.”
Necromancer based Urban Fantasy is fascinating but not done nearly enough for my liking, so I was especially excited to read this one. Rhiannon is a bartender who doesn't want her ability known, but finds she has little choice when called out hiding by a local Master vampire who needs her help finding out who has been slaughtering local vamps for ritual magic.
The story-line is good, full blown mystery material, as she pairs up with another necromancer who is less powerful but more knowledgeable. With the supernatural community they follow clues, attend bizarre parties, and finally stumble upon the real villain, who turns out uber creepy.
The book is hard to put down because the pacing stays strong, there's excitement pulling me in multiple directions - between personal and the mystery - and the author has a well-done writing style. A lot of emotion comes through the characters, who feel well rounded, even the tormented ghosts who want vengeance. It's not a simple find and follow trail, but they have to go into different strange situations to find out secrets, even holding a seance that packs a punch of its own surprises.
On the downside, I seriously hated the ending and its implications. I won't spoil it here, but it almost makes me not want to read the second book. I'll only try it out because the other ratings are so encouraging.
Necromancer based Urban Fantasy is fascinating but not done nearly enough for my liking, so I was especially excited to read this one. Rhiannon is a bartender who doesn't want her ability known, but finds she has little choice when called out hiding by a local Master vampire who needs her help finding out who has been slaughtering local vamps for ritual magic.
The story-line is good, full blown mystery material, as she pairs up with another necromancer who is less powerful but more knowledgeable. With the supernatural community they follow clues, attend bizarre parties, and finally stumble upon the real villain, who turns out uber creepy.
The book is hard to put down because the pacing stays strong, there's excitement pulling me in multiple directions - between personal and the mystery - and the author has a well-done writing style. A lot of emotion comes through the characters, who feel well rounded, even the tormented ghosts who want vengeance. It's not a simple find and follow trail, but they have to go into different strange situations to find out secrets, even holding a seance that packs a punch of its own surprises.
On the downside, I seriously hated the ending and its implications. I won't spoil it here, but it almost makes me not want to read the second book. I'll only try it out because the other ratings are so encouraging.
July 3, 2010
Rating: 4.5
(I had this as four stars until I got to the last few chapters. Which rocked my damn socks off.)
Overall, I found this to be an awesome series starter. Basically, it's about sassy bartender, Rhiannon Murphy, and her induction (of sorts) into the world of the dead and undead. She's grappled with many past (metaphorical) demons as well as her own rare ability to see dead people. Along with her new partners-in-crime, fellow necromancer Ethan "Goose" McDaniel and mysterious vampire "Disco," she attempts to solve mysterious disappearances that might involve the living and undead alike.
Though ultimately I ended up super digging the book, for some reason it took me a handful of chapters to get into the story and characters. Even now I'm having trouble describing why that was. Rhiannon had this voice, rife with endless Badass-isms, that either grew on me or mellowed out with the unfolding of the story (but either way, grated at first). I couldn't reconcile the (again) "superbadass" nature of her personality with her extreme scaredy-cat behavior when it came to something she's been exposed to for most (or the entirety?) of her life: the (un)dead. Disco for some reason just didn't seem to illicit any reaction from me (pos or neg) for a while. I just don't know! Whatever the case may be, I found my interest was slow to start.
And then "boom" went the dynamite! ^_^ The book just went on an upward trajectory of awesomeness. Ms. Saare must have either lived in, visited, or extensively researched New York because the environment felt real and lived in, more than the result of random name-dropping of locales. The characters were intriguing, as well; yeah, I know what I said above about Rhiannon and Disco but as the story progresses there's a whole lot of internal digging and character development. I specifically enjoyed getting to know Disco's family and their stories and relationships (especially Paine; he could support a whole series himself, and I'd run to read it).
In fact, in my opinion this was a character-oriented book. That is to say, it seemed like the main plot thread/dilemma was there to serve, feature and develop the characters, rather than the other way around (or an equal measure of both). I felt like one of the biggest focuses of the book was delving into Rhiannon's psyche and tracking her personal development as a necromancer. For me, the main mystery was secondary to that.
Another thing about characters (which is neither here nor there I guess)...there were no fewer than 60-odd names to keep track of (I took notes to keep it straight in my addled brain ^_^). Granted, only about 10 are critical to following the plot, with even fewer being "main" characters (Rhiannon, Disco and Goose).
I feel I should also note that the book does have some dark themes and difficult scenes (including some explicit violence and depictions of domestic/sexual abuse). Pretty tough stuff, but the way Saare weaves it into her tale is nothing short of amazing and gripping.
So yeah. This book was a ride, ending with a cliffhanger that melted me where I sat. The Renfield Syndrome cannot come soon enough, and I know it's going to be an absolute knockout with the great setup it's been given.
P.S./sidenote: I've noticed some reviews taking issue with some of the editing on the book (go read them to see what I mean). I personally don't pay attention to my inner editor when it comes to my reads, unless it screws with comprehension. So I leave extensive discussion of such out of this review, though I don't completely disagree with some of the points brought up in relation to it.
(I had this as four stars until I got to the last few chapters. Which rocked my damn socks off.)
Overall, I found this to be an awesome series starter. Basically, it's about sassy bartender, Rhiannon Murphy, and her induction (of sorts) into the world of the dead and undead. She's grappled with many past (metaphorical) demons as well as her own rare ability to see dead people. Along with her new partners-in-crime, fellow necromancer Ethan "Goose" McDaniel and mysterious vampire "Disco," she attempts to solve mysterious disappearances that might involve the living and undead alike.
Though ultimately I ended up super digging the book, for some reason it took me a handful of chapters to get into the story and characters. Even now I'm having trouble describing why that was. Rhiannon had this voice, rife with endless Badass-isms, that either grew on me or mellowed out with the unfolding of the story (but either way, grated at first). I couldn't reconcile the (again) "superbadass" nature of her personality with her extreme scaredy-cat behavior when it came to something she's been exposed to for most (or the entirety?) of her life: the (un)dead. Disco for some reason just didn't seem to illicit any reaction from me (pos or neg) for a while. I just don't know! Whatever the case may be, I found my interest was slow to start.
And then "boom" went the dynamite! ^_^ The book just went on an upward trajectory of awesomeness. Ms. Saare must have either lived in, visited, or extensively researched New York because the environment felt real and lived in, more than the result of random name-dropping of locales. The characters were intriguing, as well; yeah, I know what I said above about Rhiannon and Disco but as the story progresses there's a whole lot of internal digging and character development. I specifically enjoyed getting to know Disco's family and their stories and relationships (especially Paine; he could support a whole series himself, and I'd run to read it).
In fact, in my opinion this was a character-oriented book. That is to say, it seemed like the main plot thread/dilemma was there to serve, feature and develop the characters, rather than the other way around (or an equal measure of both). I felt like one of the biggest focuses of the book was delving into Rhiannon's psyche and tracking her personal development as a necromancer. For me, the main mystery was secondary to that.
Another thing about characters (which is neither here nor there I guess)...there were no fewer than 60-odd names to keep track of (I took notes to keep it straight in my addled brain ^_^). Granted, only about 10 are critical to following the plot, with even fewer being "main" characters (Rhiannon, Disco and Goose).
I feel I should also note that the book does have some dark themes and difficult scenes (including some explicit violence and depictions of domestic/sexual abuse). Pretty tough stuff, but the way Saare weaves it into her tale is nothing short of amazing and gripping.
So yeah. This book was a ride, ending with a cliffhanger that melted me where I sat. The Renfield Syndrome cannot come soon enough, and I know it's going to be an absolute knockout with the great setup it's been given.
P.S./sidenote: I've noticed some reviews taking issue with some of the editing on the book (go read them to see what I mean). I personally don't pay attention to my inner editor when it comes to my reads, unless it screws with comprehension. So I leave extensive discussion of such out of this review, though I don't completely disagree with some of the points brought up in relation to it.
December 20, 2011
Okay - I don't have the time right now to do a review any justice, but I will say that I enjoyed this book immensely.
Main character Rhiannon works as a bartender at a strip club. And she can see dead people. Yes - Rhiannon is a necromancer, which I think is very cool. Not too many UF series use necromancers, and even the ones that do (think Anita Blake) lose their way somewhere along the line. When vampires start disappearing, Rhiannon gets asked to help a local group of vamps.
In walks Disco, aka Gabriel. Gabriel is a tall, powerful and sexy-as-hell vampire. He is immediately attracted to Rhiannon. Rhiannon tried to keep her distance - this girl is a most terrible past. I don't want to spoil it, but she has lived through things that would have put others in a mental institution for the rest of their lives. Rhiannon is cautious at first, but she begins working for Disco and his family, and sleuth-work ensues. Goose, aka Ethan, is another necromancer in the group that works as Rhiannon's mentor.
This book was well-paced and well-written. It has a dark and gritty feel to it. Rhiannon doesn't live in a world of sunshine, flowers and happiness. She's just trying to get by, one day at a time, and has a hard time letting down the tough other walls she has constructed around her. I very much enjoy the relationship that develops between her and Disco. He is not the usual type of vamp - he isn't arrogant, he isn't power-drunk, and he isn't an ass. He knows what he wants and he is willing to wait for it patiently. He is sweet and supportive, and just might become a part of my harem of book boyfriends yet.
The ending of this book introduces the reader to a demon who knocks this story sideways. The story ends on a cliff hanger that had me screeching, "NOOOOOOO!" It's not as bad of a cliff hanger as say, Dreamfever or Carolyn Crane's Double Cross, but it is a nifty cliff hanger nonetheless.
I will be reading the Renfield Syndrome soon. I look forward to continuing with this dark and intriguing series. If you like dark UF and sexy vamps, I would definitely pick this up. It was well-worth my time and has me hooked on Rhiannon's world.
Main character Rhiannon works as a bartender at a strip club. And she can see dead people. Yes - Rhiannon is a necromancer, which I think is very cool. Not too many UF series use necromancers, and even the ones that do (think Anita Blake) lose their way somewhere along the line. When vampires start disappearing, Rhiannon gets asked to help a local group of vamps.
In walks Disco, aka Gabriel. Gabriel is a tall, powerful and sexy-as-hell vampire. He is immediately attracted to Rhiannon. Rhiannon tried to keep her distance - this girl is a most terrible past. I don't want to spoil it, but she has lived through things that would have put others in a mental institution for the rest of their lives. Rhiannon is cautious at first, but she begins working for Disco and his family, and sleuth-work ensues. Goose, aka Ethan, is another necromancer in the group that works as Rhiannon's mentor.
This book was well-paced and well-written. It has a dark and gritty feel to it. Rhiannon doesn't live in a world of sunshine, flowers and happiness. She's just trying to get by, one day at a time, and has a hard time letting down the tough other walls she has constructed around her. I very much enjoy the relationship that develops between her and Disco. He is not the usual type of vamp - he isn't arrogant, he isn't power-drunk, and he isn't an ass. He knows what he wants and he is willing to wait for it patiently. He is sweet and supportive, and just might become a part of my harem of book boyfriends yet.
The ending of this book introduces the reader to a demon who knocks this story sideways. The story ends on a cliff hanger that had me screeching, "NOOOOOOO!" It's not as bad of a cliff hanger as say, Dreamfever or Carolyn Crane's Double Cross, but it is a nifty cliff hanger nonetheless.
I will be reading the Renfield Syndrome soon. I look forward to continuing with this dark and intriguing series. If you like dark UF and sexy vamps, I would definitely pick this up. It was well-worth my time and has me hooked on Rhiannon's world.
April 27, 2016
Loved it! Rhiannon is a crack-up! She's foul-mouthed and straight to the point but I love her! It's refreshing. First book I've read by Jaime Saare and it certainly won't be the last :)
April 16, 2021
Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between was an okay book. It had potential to be really interesting but it sort of fell flat for me in that department. In it, you will meet Rhiannon and she is a necromancer bartender. When sudden deaths start happening to vampires at random, she is enlisted to help Disco find the suspect.
Now while reading this, I was definitely getting some Sookie vibes. Mostly because of the vampire blood being sold as a drug. So then I started to compare this book to that one and it just kind of went downhill after that. Which doesn't help when you aren't completely in love with Sookie's books either. They were also okay and I always want to punch a character or two.
Besides that, this book was just okay. I didn't really connect to anyone and I wasn't really interesting in what was actually happening either. I am glad that I tried it out but I'm good with the rest of the series.
Now while reading this, I was definitely getting some Sookie vibes. Mostly because of the vampire blood being sold as a drug. So then I started to compare this book to that one and it just kind of went downhill after that. Which doesn't help when you aren't completely in love with Sookie's books either. They were also okay and I always want to punch a character or two.
Besides that, this book was just okay. I didn't really connect to anyone and I wasn't really interesting in what was actually happening either. I am glad that I tried it out but I'm good with the rest of the series.
August 16, 2010
This was a quick and easy read, but it wasn't anything special. I liked it (for the most part), but nothing seemed to jump out at me and make me love it. I felt that most of this book skimmed the surface of the character development. Rhiannon got developed, yes, but none of the other characters did. Even her love interest, Disco, seemed pretty two dimensional.
Rhiannon was an interesting character. In the beginning I didn't like her much. I like funny, and I like strong, but I don't like bitchy. She came off as too much. She crossed the line from snarky into rude and crass. Also, she seemed so blatant because she was insecure. You know how someone is really insecure about something so they keep bringing it up in the hopes that they'll head off jokes or even get people to comfort them? That was Rhiannon all over. She wasn't that educated so she needed to throw it in everyone's face all the time. She spent so much effort living down to people's expectations that she seemed foolish. Her personality was just off putting. But sometimes Rhiannon's character really worked for me. Sometimes she just killed with her "Rhiannon's Law" and her inner dialogue.
My opinion of Rhiannon didn't really change until I learned about her past. She was all mouth to cover her fear. I still hated her attitude, but I understood her better.
I felt bad for her being forced into working with Disco. I was pretty surprised that she started liking the people involved so quickly. I expected her to be resentful and mistrustful for a lot longer. I really was not happy with Rhiannon being forced by circumstances to join that group. I couldn't believe that she didn't strain against her circumstances. All in all she took the whole situation in an extremely calm way. It didn't fit with my expectations of her.
Disco (what a funny name!) was all potential and no follow through for me. I didn't get the interest in him. He tended to fade into the woodwork when there were other people on the scene. Like Paine. I found him really interesting. His personality and his circumstances caught me a lot more effectively in a chapter or two than Disco did in the whole book. I was actually pretty disappointed that Disco was the love interest.
Disco's little family was interesting. I liked getting to see the dynamic there. I also liked that we spent some time with a separate vampire family. It was nice watching Rhiannon deck that little snot that tried to whammie Disco.
Everything was going alright until the very end. Even though I didn't think it was the best series starter out there, I was still interested in seeing where the series would go. The events from this book were wrapped up and I was about to close the book happy.
But then the author threw in a totally unnecessary cliff hanger! You could have ended the book there! Why? Why did you do this? I was so mad! All my happy feelings about the book turned to ash. I think it was supposed to hook me into the next book, but it backfired. I lost total interest and felt played. I've already turned my copy into PBS because I don't plan on reading any further.
Rhiannon was an interesting character. In the beginning I didn't like her much. I like funny, and I like strong, but I don't like bitchy. She came off as too much. She crossed the line from snarky into rude and crass. Also, she seemed so blatant because she was insecure. You know how someone is really insecure about something so they keep bringing it up in the hopes that they'll head off jokes or even get people to comfort them? That was Rhiannon all over. She wasn't that educated so she needed to throw it in everyone's face all the time. She spent so much effort living down to people's expectations that she seemed foolish. Her personality was just off putting. But sometimes Rhiannon's character really worked for me. Sometimes she just killed with her "Rhiannon's Law" and her inner dialogue.
My opinion of Rhiannon didn't really change until I learned about her past. She was all mouth to cover her fear. I still hated her attitude, but I understood her better.
I felt bad for her being forced into working with Disco. I was pretty surprised that she started liking the people involved so quickly. I expected her to be resentful and mistrustful for a lot longer. I really was not happy with Rhiannon being forced by circumstances to join that group. I couldn't believe that she didn't strain against her circumstances. All in all she took the whole situation in an extremely calm way. It didn't fit with my expectations of her.
Disco (what a funny name!) was all potential and no follow through for me. I didn't get the interest in him. He tended to fade into the woodwork when there were other people on the scene. Like Paine. I found him really interesting. His personality and his circumstances caught me a lot more effectively in a chapter or two than Disco did in the whole book. I was actually pretty disappointed that Disco was the love interest.
Disco's little family was interesting. I liked getting to see the dynamic there. I also liked that we spent some time with a separate vampire family. It was nice watching Rhiannon deck that little snot that tried to whammie Disco.
Everything was going alright until the very end. Even though I didn't think it was the best series starter out there, I was still interested in seeing where the series would go. The events from this book were wrapped up and I was about to close the book happy.
But then the author threw in a totally unnecessary cliff hanger! You could have ended the book there! Why? Why did you do this? I was so mad! All my happy feelings about the book turned to ash. I think it was supposed to hook me into the next book, but it backfired. I lost total interest and felt played. I've already turned my copy into PBS because I don't plan on reading any further.
December 23, 2011
3.5 stars.
Urban fantasy is difficult for me to read right now and I guess, I can be difficult on urban fantasy books. But despite that, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The last half of this book is amazing. Everything clicked. Interesting characters and new plot developments that were surprising. The ending is a cliff hanger, but it is one of the coolest cliff hangers I have read and good news – the sequel is out already. So it is easy to dive in to the next one. For us who are just reading this series now we can get immediate satisfaction. I should say that I did struggle with the first half of this book. Choppy scene endings and few, sometimes no, transitions to the next scene made it difficult to follow the action. Some of the sentences are oddly worded, so I did do some re-reading. I like kick-ass heroines, I do think Saare went over the top with Rhiannon’s character, for example at one point she makes a subtle weight joke about a secretary, which was just over the top in my opinion. And there are a quite a few repeated urban fantasy storylines from other series. So this book actually had a number of things going against it, but despite all of these things I was interested to keep reading. J.A. Saare, tells the story in a captivating way. It is good fun, in a new setting. What Saare does really well, is that she gets what makes a decent urban fantasy story – struggle. Nothing comes easy in this story. The main character is highly damaged from an abusive upbringing. Because of this, Rhiannon isolates herself emotionally. The characters each have to overcome barriers to get what they want; the hurdling of those barriers makes for good reading. And it isn’t a happy feel good book, although there is humor and a fun romance, good people die in painful and gruesome ways; not everything ends well. For me, all of this works together to put together a fun urban fantasy read. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy urban fantasy books and particularly, like watching the evolution and struggle of damaged characters.
Now, this is sort of off topic, but I have been avoiding urban fantasy books lately; after gorging myself for about 18 months on the genre, I started to get bored with newer series and all of the repeated themes. Vampire with abilities to read minds? Kick ass heroine who is also a necromancer? Virgin heroine, despite her being in her early to mid-twenties? Heroine who is scarred in one way or another and unable to exist in the world (strong empathy, strong psychic, sexually abused, orphaned, etc.)? Instant love/lust connection between heroine and the hero? Vampires mysteriously disappearing? The healing power of vampire blood? Freaky vampire children? Uber beautiful characters? Rudeness and snarkiness for humor? Frequent readers or even infrequent readers of the urban fantasy genre have seen all of these themes and more. And rarely, rarely are they presented in a new and interesting way .. which resulted in me avoiding the genre for awhile. So, aside from new releases in my favorite series, this is the first book in the genre I have read for awhile. What is it with this genre that there is a lack of new and innovative writing? Is the genre glutted? Have all ideas been explored? Just some thoughts not really related to this book.
Urban fantasy is difficult for me to read right now and I guess, I can be difficult on urban fantasy books. But despite that, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The last half of this book is amazing. Everything clicked. Interesting characters and new plot developments that were surprising. The ending is a cliff hanger, but it is one of the coolest cliff hangers I have read and good news – the sequel is out already. So it is easy to dive in to the next one. For us who are just reading this series now we can get immediate satisfaction. I should say that I did struggle with the first half of this book. Choppy scene endings and few, sometimes no, transitions to the next scene made it difficult to follow the action. Some of the sentences are oddly worded, so I did do some re-reading. I like kick-ass heroines, I do think Saare went over the top with Rhiannon’s character, for example at one point she makes a subtle weight joke about a secretary, which was just over the top in my opinion. And there are a quite a few repeated urban fantasy storylines from other series. So this book actually had a number of things going against it, but despite all of these things I was interested to keep reading. J.A. Saare, tells the story in a captivating way. It is good fun, in a new setting. What Saare does really well, is that she gets what makes a decent urban fantasy story – struggle. Nothing comes easy in this story. The main character is highly damaged from an abusive upbringing. Because of this, Rhiannon isolates herself emotionally. The characters each have to overcome barriers to get what they want; the hurdling of those barriers makes for good reading. And it isn’t a happy feel good book, although there is humor and a fun romance, good people die in painful and gruesome ways; not everything ends well. For me, all of this works together to put together a fun urban fantasy read. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy urban fantasy books and particularly, like watching the evolution and struggle of damaged characters.
Now, this is sort of off topic, but I have been avoiding urban fantasy books lately; after gorging myself for about 18 months on the genre, I started to get bored with newer series and all of the repeated themes. Vampire with abilities to read minds? Kick ass heroine who is also a necromancer? Virgin heroine, despite her being in her early to mid-twenties? Heroine who is scarred in one way or another and unable to exist in the world (strong empathy, strong psychic, sexually abused, orphaned, etc.)? Instant love/lust connection between heroine and the hero? Vampires mysteriously disappearing? The healing power of vampire blood? Freaky vampire children? Uber beautiful characters? Rudeness and snarkiness for humor? Frequent readers or even infrequent readers of the urban fantasy genre have seen all of these themes and more. And rarely, rarely are they presented in a new and interesting way .. which resulted in me avoiding the genre for awhile. So, aside from new releases in my favorite series, this is the first book in the genre I have read for awhile. What is it with this genre that there is a lack of new and innovative writing? Is the genre glutted? Have all ideas been explored? Just some thoughts not really related to this book.
July 18, 2019
It took me some time to make myself read a story where one of the main characters and possible love interests for the other is named Disco. Thank God it's not his name although it was used one time too many.
The story follows a known and reliable pattern: a young woman with a special/different ability catches the attention of paranormals. Since she can identify vampires and ghosts and communicate with the twice-undead, she is as paranormal as the rest of them.
This first book is an introduction to this world so it leaves a lot for later.
You should also know that it ends with a cliffhanger.
The story follows a known and reliable pattern: a young woman with a special/different ability catches the attention of paranormals. Since she can identify vampires and ghosts and communicate with the twice-undead, she is as paranormal as the rest of them.
This first book is an introduction to this world so it leaves a lot for later.
You should also know that it ends with a cliffhanger.
March 22, 2010
Why I read: Author offered it for review, and honestly, I fell for the cover. Plus I couldn’t pass up reading about a vampire named Disco.
Favorite Quote: “I want this shit over and done. Can we strive to obtain that goal? I have a meaningless existence, and I can’t put that kind of action on hold indefinitely.”
Rhiannon Murphy likes to define her life as a bartender. She gets up, goes to work at the Black Panther, a strip club, and goes home. Her life may seem mundane, and that is exactly how she likes it, except for the tiny fact that she can see dead people. She is a necromancer, although she tries to ignore this fact and lead a normal life. A “regular” necromancer can’t see the dead undead,(really dead vampires) but Rhiannon can see dead vampires, and a “living” vampire, Disco notices this fact, and needs her help. Vampires have been disappearing, and no one knows why. Disco starts to stalk Rhiannon at work, and she wants nothing to do with him. She is a smart girl and knows vampires are not the sort you want to mingle with. But Disco is persistent, and let’s face it- mighty sexy.
Disco seeks help in a woman who is very sharp-tongued, blunt, and just a little stubborn. She is buff and can take down someone bigger than her, but the thought of socializing in a crowd of strangers sends her into panic mode. Rhiannon despises seeing dead people, and she questions why she should help “see your undead asses the second time around? Isn’t the first time enough?” Disco tells her she basically has no choice, and she knows better than to argue with a vampire. She figures she will give him what he wants, then she can return to her life. As if dealing with vampires is ever that simple.
After reluctantly agreeing, she learns there are others like her, as in Ethan McDaniel, or Goose as she calls him. With his help, they start investigating the vampire disappearances, and the dark black market of selling vampire blood. Rhiannon gets thrown into vampire politics, and she must decide if she wants to give up her lonely life and have a new family, one that might even include a sexy vampire.
As I said on Twitter right after I finished, Dead, Undead and Somewhere in Between is full of awesome. It is the best feeling to pick up a book from a new (to me) author and have no idea what you are about to read, and then not be able to put it down until you read the last page. Rhiannon is a heroine that made me laugh throughout, at some points I wanted to strangle, but overall was totally impressed with her growth and journey in the book. She lived a tough life in foster care, and really trusts no one. Then two men come into her life – Disco, a mysterious vampire, and even though her brain tells her vampires are evil, her instincts tell her he is one of the good guys. At first he demands her necromancy services, but their relationship becomes so much more as time goes by. Rhiannon doesn’t want to love, or like, or trust, but she grows and learns that some are worth taking a chance for. He confuses her, and says and does things that makes her tongue-tied – quite a feat.
The other man in her life (who is just a friend) is Goose, a fellow necromancer and always the gentleman. It is interesting to read about their dynamic – Rhiannon is much more powerful in her necromancer skills, but Goose has much more knowledge of the craft. They need each other to bounce off of, to make any progress in the mystery. Goose is deeply involved with Disco and his vampire family and I think seeing that relationship helps Rhiannon come to terms with them.
There is a point towards the end where Rhiannon rushes to investigate with no back-up, and I knew at that point trouble was brewing for her. I cringe when heroines (or heroes) who live in these very violent worlds, take matters into their own hands, when they know violence is right around the corner. Why not wait for help or consult with others. While she does get in trouble, I liked how events unfold.
I also have to mention Paine, Disco’s second in command – a tortured soul who when touches someone can see their past and future and sees their death. He carries around a very heavy burden, and JA Saare gives you just enough of him where you must know more.
The ending will make you shake your fist at JA Saare – I love to be tortured waiting for the next book, and oh does she torture us! Dead, Undead and Somewhere in Between is a great urban fantasy, with strong sexual tension and even a smoking hot love scene. I laughed, and was truly captivated throughout the book. This is definitely a book that I savored every page and I am eagerly anticipating the release of the second, The Renfield Syndrome.
Rating: 4.5/5
May 8, 2011
Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews
Since the Spring of this year, I have heard tons of buzz from pretty much all of my favorite fellow book bloggers about this hot new character named “Disco”, in a new book by an author named J.A. Saare. I’ve seen Disco widgets on their blogs and I’ve seen chatter about Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between on Twitter and Goodreads. The book has been on my radar since, but my roadblock was it’s only been available for purchase through Amazon.com. I hate Amazon. I won’t go in to my rant on why, and please don’t ask here because that is not the intent of this review. The point is: I kept putting off buying this book hoping it would become available elsewhere. When it became clear that getting it elsewhere was not going to happen, I sucked it up and ordered the paperback from a company I loathe. After all the build-up and waiting, I am so happy to say that my expectations were most definitely met. From the very first page, with the opening paragraph, I knew I was going to love this:
“Rhiannon’s Law #27: When you’re working in a gentleman’s club and one of your dancers takes off those heels, alert the big guns, an ass kicking is on the menu.”
Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between is the first book in J.A. Saare’s Rhiannon’s Law series. We meet Rhiannon working as a bartender in a gentleman’s club. As she’s trying to make drinks and keep the peace among the dancers and the clientele, a vampire by the name of Disco is relentlessly following her to meet with him after work. Turns out, she has very unique and special abilities that have come to the attention of the vampire population. Disco convinces Rhiannon to use her special abilities in providing help to solve the mystery of local vamps who have gone missing. The story takes off from there… From the very beginning I knew that Rhiannon was going to be one of my top favorite Urban Fantasy heroines. She cusses like a sailor, is brutally honest, and is not afraid to throw down if she feels she is being threatened. As Rhiannon says about another snarky character she has to work with… “A girl after my own smartass heart.” That actually described exactly how I felt about Rhiannon herself. How can you not love a heroine who says things like this to her romantic interest?
“If you were anyone else, your nuts would be taking a long vacation, and the destination would be out of your mouth.”
And speaking of romantic interest, “Disco” is such a different kind of Hero than I am used to, and he has a quality that I am a sucker for. He is seemingly shy! At first look, Rhiannon and Disco could not be any different. About 10 minutes in to their first “non-date” Rhiannon makes him blush and say “Jesus Christ!” in shock when she asks him something he perceives as completely direct and crude… still, he is completely enamored with her from the beginning and that is very clear. Incidentally, the quote above is directed at him. And what does he do? He smiles! He loves her tough talking smartass too. He is truly dreamy, and his appeal is off the charts.
This book moves fast, is very smart and clever, has some explosive sexual tension between the Hero and Heroine, and there is some awesome gore. We get glimpses in to Rhiannon’s dark and gut-wrenching past, as well as Disco’s, creating an instant connection with both main characters. And the ending? Well. Let’s just say it will leave you begging for more. The Renfield Syndrome is the next in the series and will be out sometime in the summer 2011. If you love your Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, this is a wonderful blend of both genres. You want to read this book! Don’t wait as long as I did to pick it up!
Since the Spring of this year, I have heard tons of buzz from pretty much all of my favorite fellow book bloggers about this hot new character named “Disco”, in a new book by an author named J.A. Saare. I’ve seen Disco widgets on their blogs and I’ve seen chatter about Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between on Twitter and Goodreads. The book has been on my radar since, but my roadblock was it’s only been available for purchase through Amazon.com. I hate Amazon. I won’t go in to my rant on why, and please don’t ask here because that is not the intent of this review. The point is: I kept putting off buying this book hoping it would become available elsewhere. When it became clear that getting it elsewhere was not going to happen, I sucked it up and ordered the paperback from a company I loathe. After all the build-up and waiting, I am so happy to say that my expectations were most definitely met. From the very first page, with the opening paragraph, I knew I was going to love this:
“Rhiannon’s Law #27: When you’re working in a gentleman’s club and one of your dancers takes off those heels, alert the big guns, an ass kicking is on the menu.”
Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between is the first book in J.A. Saare’s Rhiannon’s Law series. We meet Rhiannon working as a bartender in a gentleman’s club. As she’s trying to make drinks and keep the peace among the dancers and the clientele, a vampire by the name of Disco is relentlessly following her to meet with him after work. Turns out, she has very unique and special abilities that have come to the attention of the vampire population. Disco convinces Rhiannon to use her special abilities in providing help to solve the mystery of local vamps who have gone missing. The story takes off from there… From the very beginning I knew that Rhiannon was going to be one of my top favorite Urban Fantasy heroines. She cusses like a sailor, is brutally honest, and is not afraid to throw down if she feels she is being threatened. As Rhiannon says about another snarky character she has to work with… “A girl after my own smartass heart.” That actually described exactly how I felt about Rhiannon herself. How can you not love a heroine who says things like this to her romantic interest?
“If you were anyone else, your nuts would be taking a long vacation, and the destination would be out of your mouth.”
And speaking of romantic interest, “Disco” is such a different kind of Hero than I am used to, and he has a quality that I am a sucker for. He is seemingly shy! At first look, Rhiannon and Disco could not be any different. About 10 minutes in to their first “non-date” Rhiannon makes him blush and say “Jesus Christ!” in shock when she asks him something he perceives as completely direct and crude… still, he is completely enamored with her from the beginning and that is very clear. Incidentally, the quote above is directed at him. And what does he do? He smiles! He loves her tough talking smartass too. He is truly dreamy, and his appeal is off the charts.
This book moves fast, is very smart and clever, has some explosive sexual tension between the Hero and Heroine, and there is some awesome gore. We get glimpses in to Rhiannon’s dark and gut-wrenching past, as well as Disco’s, creating an instant connection with both main characters. And the ending? Well. Let’s just say it will leave you begging for more. The Renfield Syndrome is the next in the series and will be out sometime in the summer 2011. If you love your Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, this is a wonderful blend of both genres. You want to read this book! Don’t wait as long as I did to pick it up!
January 7, 2013
This was a re-read for me and it was just as good the second time. I had forgotten how vulnerable Rhiannon is in this book. In the future installments that's not the case. Rhiannon has to be my all time favorite MC her sarcasm and actions are so funny. When I look back to this book compared to the last one the transformation and growth that Rhiannon goes through is crazy. I do wish there had been more scenes with Paine in book 1 though. Ms. Saare is a mastermind with her character developments & plots. It's not often book 1 in a series starts out as good as this one does. Anyone who is a lover of the Night Huntress Series needs to read this book!
Original Review:
4.75
I loved this book! It was a strong start for a first in a series. Rhiannon is too funny her smart a$$ comments and come backs were great. Rhiannon is a necromancer and she can see vamps after they die as well. This makes her a hot commodity. Someone is kidnapping vamps and removing their hearts while they're alive and aware. Disco is the head of his line of vamps and decides that Rhiannon is going to work for them and try to catch who's killing the vamps. Rhiannon has had a very troubled childhood and doesn't trust or love anyone. Disco gets to her and she is scared to let go and fall for him. The character development was great, both Disco & Rhiannon are great characters. The plot was great, a good balance of action & romance. I highly recommend this series.
Original Review:
4.75
I loved this book! It was a strong start for a first in a series. Rhiannon is too funny her smart a$$ comments and come backs were great. Rhiannon is a necromancer and she can see vamps after they die as well. This makes her a hot commodity. Someone is kidnapping vamps and removing their hearts while they're alive and aware. Disco is the head of his line of vamps and decides that Rhiannon is going to work for them and try to catch who's killing the vamps. Rhiannon has had a very troubled childhood and doesn't trust or love anyone. Disco gets to her and she is scared to let go and fall for him. The character development was great, both Disco & Rhiannon are great characters. The plot was great, a good balance of action & romance. I highly recommend this series.
November 19, 2010
4.5 STARS
OKAY....I had seen this book around before I joined Goodreads, about a year ago. It kept catching my attention and I did nothing about it. I added it to my TBR shelf 6 months ago, then acquired the book 2 months ago where it just sat. WEll, I was playing around with my Kindle a few nights ago, and decided offhandedly that I would go ahead and read this.
Holy smokes!!! What in the world took me so long??? This book is awesome. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about reading it, and when I was reading it I didn't want to put it down.
This is a fabulous start to a new series, and I found the writing really good. The characters were all great, primary and secondary. The plot was great. By the time I finished these 214 pages, I felt like I had read at least a 360 page book. The story is fast paced, and so much happens.
IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THIS, and it's not currently on your TBR shelf, just go ahead and add it....you won't be sorry!!!
Others have done the plot in their reviews so well, that I'm not gonna go there.
I am looking forward to the next book...whenever that may be!!
I loved this book!!
OKAY....I had seen this book around before I joined Goodreads, about a year ago. It kept catching my attention and I did nothing about it. I added it to my TBR shelf 6 months ago, then acquired the book 2 months ago where it just sat. WEll, I was playing around with my Kindle a few nights ago, and decided offhandedly that I would go ahead and read this.
Holy smokes!!! What in the world took me so long??? This book is awesome. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about reading it, and when I was reading it I didn't want to put it down.
This is a fabulous start to a new series, and I found the writing really good. The characters were all great, primary and secondary. The plot was great. By the time I finished these 214 pages, I felt like I had read at least a 360 page book. The story is fast paced, and so much happens.
IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THIS, and it's not currently on your TBR shelf, just go ahead and add it....you won't be sorry!!!
Others have done the plot in their reviews so well, that I'm not gonna go there.
I am looking forward to the next book...whenever that may be!!
I loved this book!!
February 2, 2013
2.5 stars. I'm really surprised I didn't like this one more based on so many rave reviews on Goodreads, but I just didn't enjoy reading it.
I think my main problem was the character development (or lack thereof). Rhiannon really grated on my nerves and seemed like a rebellious teenager to me (even though she is in her early 20's). Her snark and cursing were just too over-the-top. The other characters also fell flat for me. In fact, there were a few scenes that were super confusing to me, because I couldn't tell the secondary characters apart. I kept thinking "what just happened?" but I didn't care enough to go back and re-read.
Also, the romance did nothing for me, probably since I didn't care about the characters. It just seemed too accelerated.
I will say that the ending was very intriguing (definitely a cliffhanger) with a great set-up for the next book. Unfortunately, even with that incentive, I think I'll have to pass on the next book.
I think my main problem was the character development (or lack thereof). Rhiannon really grated on my nerves and seemed like a rebellious teenager to me (even though she is in her early 20's). Her snark and cursing were just too over-the-top. The other characters also fell flat for me. In fact, there were a few scenes that were super confusing to me, because I couldn't tell the secondary characters apart. I kept thinking "what just happened?" but I didn't care enough to go back and re-read.
Also, the romance did nothing for me, probably since I didn't care about the characters. It just seemed too accelerated.
I will say that the ending was very intriguing (definitely a cliffhanger) with a great set-up for the next book. Unfortunately, even with that incentive, I think I'll have to pass on the next book.
September 18, 2011
*Rating* 4.0
*Genre* Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance (Some publications have this story and series listed as being Horror for some unknown reason.)
*Review*
25 year old Rhiannon Murphy is a bartender at an exclusive men’s club called the Black Panther where she has been working since she escaped from Miami after her best friend disappeared from a club they were at. Deciding that it was in her best interests to flee, she ends up in NYC.
Rhiannon is also an untrained Necromancer who can see the dead. She has a potty mouth like a trucker, and an attitude that tells people to stay the hell away from her. Rhia, it seems, doesn’t understand her own powers as she has never been trained properly. She not only has the ability to see dead people, but to communicate with them, and raise them from the dead as well.
Rhiannon’s own background is heartbreaking when you read about what happened to her and her family, and how she ended up with scars on her body and her soul from her experiences. As a reader, you can understand how Rhiannon might be affected by this and why she is so resolved not to let anyone else hurt her ever again.
I absolutely LOVE Rhiannon as well as her laws that pop up throughout the book and can only hope that they continue into the Renfield Syndrome. One of my favorites: Rhiannon’s Law # 37 – Don’t get so high and mighty; God will only reward that arrogance with a huge bitch slap back to reality.
Rhia learns that she has the ability to see the undead dead meaning vampires who are killed; something that no other necromancer seems to be able to do from a PI named Goose. (Goose...Top Gun? Hmmm)
Her mistake is in shouting at one of the apparitions in front of two vampires who are stunned to learn that there is someone with her untrained abilities around while their kind is dying at an unusual rate.
Naturally, this talent comes in demand by Gabriel Trevellian or Disco as he is called by his family in order to get the answers to who is responsible for killing his kind and why.
*That will be the last time I use the name Disco in my review just because it’s the most annoying name of all time. Disco reminds me of the 1970’s for which I give thanks to Jesus himself that I was able to live thru without pulling all of my hair out over the music and fashion styles we were forced to wear and listen to.*
Gabriel forces, let me repeat that, forces Rhia into a corner by not allowing her any leeway to say the hell with you. Other vampires then become aware of what she can do and try to caputre her so that they can control her. Rhia believes she has no choice but to work with Gabriel because of her experiences with vampires in Miami and what happened to her best friend. She ends up in a position where she has absolutely no choice but to either run away, or become one of Gabriel’s lackeys and be bound to him for life.
I find myself one of those readers who does really mind sex scenes, but only if I don’t actually have to read page after page when the story is just getting good and the mystery hasn’t been unsolved. Thus, I take away points for that, and for Gabriel’s stupid name which I realize is petty.
Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between is the first book in J.A. Saare’s Rhiannon’s Law series. It’s followed by The Renfield Syndrome (already out and in stores now), and The Ripple Effect to be released in 2012.
There are several short stories that are added to the end of this book which I thought was a nice gesture on the part of the writer. It also includes a peek into The Renfield Syndrome and continues Rhiannon’s journey after making an on spot deal with a demon in order to help Gabriel.
J.A. Saare
Rhiannon’s Law
1. Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in between (May 3, 2011)
2. The Renfield Syndrome (August 23, 2011)
3. The Ripple Effect (2012)
*Genre* Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance (Some publications have this story and series listed as being Horror for some unknown reason.)
*Review*
25 year old Rhiannon Murphy is a bartender at an exclusive men’s club called the Black Panther where she has been working since she escaped from Miami after her best friend disappeared from a club they were at. Deciding that it was in her best interests to flee, she ends up in NYC.
Rhiannon is also an untrained Necromancer who can see the dead. She has a potty mouth like a trucker, and an attitude that tells people to stay the hell away from her. Rhia, it seems, doesn’t understand her own powers as she has never been trained properly. She not only has the ability to see dead people, but to communicate with them, and raise them from the dead as well.
Rhiannon’s own background is heartbreaking when you read about what happened to her and her family, and how she ended up with scars on her body and her soul from her experiences. As a reader, you can understand how Rhiannon might be affected by this and why she is so resolved not to let anyone else hurt her ever again.
I absolutely LOVE Rhiannon as well as her laws that pop up throughout the book and can only hope that they continue into the Renfield Syndrome. One of my favorites: Rhiannon’s Law # 37 – Don’t get so high and mighty; God will only reward that arrogance with a huge bitch slap back to reality.
Rhia learns that she has the ability to see the undead dead meaning vampires who are killed; something that no other necromancer seems to be able to do from a PI named Goose. (Goose...Top Gun? Hmmm)
Her mistake is in shouting at one of the apparitions in front of two vampires who are stunned to learn that there is someone with her untrained abilities around while their kind is dying at an unusual rate.
Naturally, this talent comes in demand by Gabriel Trevellian or Disco as he is called by his family in order to get the answers to who is responsible for killing his kind and why.
*That will be the last time I use the name Disco in my review just because it’s the most annoying name of all time. Disco reminds me of the 1970’s for which I give thanks to Jesus himself that I was able to live thru without pulling all of my hair out over the music and fashion styles we were forced to wear and listen to.*
Gabriel forces, let me repeat that, forces Rhia into a corner by not allowing her any leeway to say the hell with you. Other vampires then become aware of what she can do and try to caputre her so that they can control her. Rhia believes she has no choice but to work with Gabriel because of her experiences with vampires in Miami and what happened to her best friend. She ends up in a position where she has absolutely no choice but to either run away, or become one of Gabriel’s lackeys and be bound to him for life.
I find myself one of those readers who does really mind sex scenes, but only if I don’t actually have to read page after page when the story is just getting good and the mystery hasn’t been unsolved. Thus, I take away points for that, and for Gabriel’s stupid name which I realize is petty.
Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between is the first book in J.A. Saare’s Rhiannon’s Law series. It’s followed by The Renfield Syndrome (already out and in stores now), and The Ripple Effect to be released in 2012.
There are several short stories that are added to the end of this book which I thought was a nice gesture on the part of the writer. It also includes a peek into The Renfield Syndrome and continues Rhiannon’s journey after making an on spot deal with a demon in order to help Gabriel.
J.A. Saare
Rhiannon’s Law
1. Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in between (May 3, 2011)
2. The Renfield Syndrome (August 23, 2011)
3. The Ripple Effect (2012)
December 4, 2012
Completely and utterly a wonderful read!! No! My mind is running around in circles frantically trying to understand what happened to it. It feels funny. But a good funny. Something like perfect bliss. Yet, bliss doesn't even describe what happened. In fact, this is probably going to be one of the hardest reviews for me to write. This book was so amazing and I want to express how much I want everyone else to read it! There lies the problem since I don't have the right words to even explain this book.
Rhiannon had me at the first page with her crazy "Rhianon's Law #27", the fact that I can still remember that it's law #27, and it's about strippers, shoes, and fighting says it all. The whole book just sticks in your head. Rhiannon is a smart mouthed, pirate worthy swearer, and she's tough as nails. No she's not super woman, but she can handle herself. Unlike other super paranormal but kickers out there she knows when she's shit deep in it and can make the smart decision. Rhiannon is the queen of damaged and complicated characters. Her past is haunting, a nightmare into State Foster Care system. There is a reason she will not trust people and pushes them away from her. She's learned to live and survive. Rhia's sarcastic humor and running dialogue had me clutching my sides with giggles often enough, which was a great counter to the dark world and gore.
When a vampire named Disco approaches her Rhia soon discovers there's a name for what she is, Necromancer. She has an infinity for the dead, and the theory behind how Vampires and Necromancers connect is really brilliant! The world is believable and each new character is given such depth that I feel like if I went to New York I could find these characters and join them for a game of pool.
Two pages into the book if someone asked me if I would fall in love with a vampire named Disco, I would have snorted and said "Heck, no!" However, I am shamelessly Team Disco hands down. Saare creates a beautiful and touching romance. It was a pleasure to witness Rhia's healing. There's clearly going to be some love triangle rivalry in the future, but Saare has built up the other interest so well that I'd feel cheated if he didn't get a chance. (Even though Disco is easily in my top 10 fiction hotties!)
The plot focuses on Vampire murders as something is killing them, and stealing their hearts while they’re still alive. This book is dark, gritty, and harsh. Countered by compassion and tender emotions. It's complicated, but so simple. Many more creatures await to be discovered, especially since Disco owes a demon a favor. Even when you think the action is over and the mystery is solved a cliffhanger of EPIC proportions comes out and wallops me on the head! Saare, how could you do this to readers!? Oh, the total obsession is on!
Sexual Content: Rhiannon works in a bar, so sexual content is there. Dirty thoughts, humor, and sex scenes. Rhiannon, has a really dark, dark past. Child molestation and other horrors present.
5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!
Orginaly reviewed at Book Whispers.
Rhiannon had me at the first page with her crazy "Rhianon's Law #27", the fact that I can still remember that it's law #27, and it's about strippers, shoes, and fighting says it all. The whole book just sticks in your head. Rhiannon is a smart mouthed, pirate worthy swearer, and she's tough as nails. No she's not super woman, but she can handle herself. Unlike other super paranormal but kickers out there she knows when she's shit deep in it and can make the smart decision. Rhiannon is the queen of damaged and complicated characters. Her past is haunting, a nightmare into State Foster Care system. There is a reason she will not trust people and pushes them away from her. She's learned to live and survive. Rhia's sarcastic humor and running dialogue had me clutching my sides with giggles often enough, which was a great counter to the dark world and gore.
When a vampire named Disco approaches her Rhia soon discovers there's a name for what she is, Necromancer. She has an infinity for the dead, and the theory behind how Vampires and Necromancers connect is really brilliant! The world is believable and each new character is given such depth that I feel like if I went to New York I could find these characters and join them for a game of pool.
Two pages into the book if someone asked me if I would fall in love with a vampire named Disco, I would have snorted and said "Heck, no!" However, I am shamelessly Team Disco hands down. Saare creates a beautiful and touching romance. It was a pleasure to witness Rhia's healing. There's clearly going to be some love triangle rivalry in the future, but Saare has built up the other interest so well that I'd feel cheated if he didn't get a chance. (Even though Disco is easily in my top 10 fiction hotties!)
The plot focuses on Vampire murders as something is killing them, and stealing their hearts while they’re still alive. This book is dark, gritty, and harsh. Countered by compassion and tender emotions. It's complicated, but so simple. Many more creatures await to be discovered, especially since Disco owes a demon a favor. Even when you think the action is over and the mystery is solved a cliffhanger of EPIC proportions comes out and wallops me on the head! Saare, how could you do this to readers!? Oh, the total obsession is on!
Sexual Content: Rhiannon works in a bar, so sexual content is there. Dirty thoughts, humor, and sex scenes. Rhiannon, has a really dark, dark past. Child molestation and other horrors present.
5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!
Orginaly reviewed at Book Whispers.
September 9, 2015
"Where the hell did Doc park the DeLorean?" Seriously, how could you not love a book that manages to sneak that favored quote in :)
In Saare's version of modern day NYC, vampires walk freely among humans. Most don't have a problem with that, and if you want to get technical, a large population of humans actually like this. Many humans have taken to using vampire blood as a drug. One that gives the user heightened senses, faster healing times, and increased strength for a limited time, which is enough to get them powerfully hooked. Vamp blood has become a hot commodity and something sinister is happening to local vampires. Some have disappeared while others have died, and the local vamps think it has something to do with the blood/drug industry.
Rhiannon Murphy is a bartender/occasional bouncer at a local strip club, the Black Panther. Able to see ghosts, she doesn't quite know what she is, just that she's a little different. She's also crass, tough, and generally just doesn't give a shit. Just because she doesn't know what she is doesn't mean others don't. She's caught the eye of a local vamp, Disco, who not only knows exactly what she is, but that she's a powerful one at that. He also knows she's exactly what he and the other vampires need to figure out what's happening to the local vampires. Recruiting Rhiannon isn't an easy task being that she not only distrusts everyone, but she also has very negative preconceived notions when it comes to vampires. Rhiannon has no fear but for some reason, Disco and his kind scare the bejesus out of her.
Loved these characters. Absolutely loved them. Some more than others (Disco), but they were all equally fantastic. Initially, Rhiannon came off as maybe too much of a hardass, but after learning what she's endured through the bulk of her life, everything becomes clear. Rhiannon hasn't had an easy go of it and her attitude and everything that goes with it is her shield, her protection. And it works...until Disco. For some reason or another, Disco is immediately drawn to Rhiannon. Maybe because of her attitude, or despite it, he wants to know the real Rhiannon. Initially, I thought a vampire with the name Disco was dumb. Turns out, it's just irony. Disco is anything but dumb, anything but sparkly and fun (much like real disco). Instead, the real Disco is smart, impeccably dressed, unfailingly chivalrous, and sexy. Sinfully so. A perfect counterpart to the crude and rude Rhiannon, if I do say so myself.
I absolutely recommend this for lovers of UF. While there wasn't anything exceptionally new and groundbreaking in Saare's vampire structure, the story itself was fairly incredible. Anytime I come across a book I need to finish NOW, that's my personal marker of what makes a great story and Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between was one of those. A fair word of warning to those cliffhanger-haters: this book has one. A pretty big one, which I normally hate, but I loved it in this case. I loved the direction the next installment seems to be heading and lucky for me, the next installment was just re-released yesterday :)
Rhiannon's Law #1 (or, perhaps that should be Meigan's Law #1) - Go. Read this book. Now.
In Saare's version of modern day NYC, vampires walk freely among humans. Most don't have a problem with that, and if you want to get technical, a large population of humans actually like this. Many humans have taken to using vampire blood as a drug. One that gives the user heightened senses, faster healing times, and increased strength for a limited time, which is enough to get them powerfully hooked. Vamp blood has become a hot commodity and something sinister is happening to local vampires. Some have disappeared while others have died, and the local vamps think it has something to do with the blood/drug industry.
Rhiannon Murphy is a bartender/occasional bouncer at a local strip club, the Black Panther. Able to see ghosts, she doesn't quite know what she is, just that she's a little different. She's also crass, tough, and generally just doesn't give a shit. Just because she doesn't know what she is doesn't mean others don't. She's caught the eye of a local vamp, Disco, who not only knows exactly what she is, but that she's a powerful one at that. He also knows she's exactly what he and the other vampires need to figure out what's happening to the local vampires. Recruiting Rhiannon isn't an easy task being that she not only distrusts everyone, but she also has very negative preconceived notions when it comes to vampires. Rhiannon has no fear but for some reason, Disco and his kind scare the bejesus out of her.
Loved these characters. Absolutely loved them. Some more than others (Disco), but they were all equally fantastic. Initially, Rhiannon came off as maybe too much of a hardass, but after learning what she's endured through the bulk of her life, everything becomes clear. Rhiannon hasn't had an easy go of it and her attitude and everything that goes with it is her shield, her protection. And it works...until Disco. For some reason or another, Disco is immediately drawn to Rhiannon. Maybe because of her attitude, or despite it, he wants to know the real Rhiannon. Initially, I thought a vampire with the name Disco was dumb. Turns out, it's just irony. Disco is anything but dumb, anything but sparkly and fun (much like real disco). Instead, the real Disco is smart, impeccably dressed, unfailingly chivalrous, and sexy. Sinfully so. A perfect counterpart to the crude and rude Rhiannon, if I do say so myself.
I absolutely recommend this for lovers of UF. While there wasn't anything exceptionally new and groundbreaking in Saare's vampire structure, the story itself was fairly incredible. Anytime I come across a book I need to finish NOW, that's my personal marker of what makes a great story and Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between was one of those. A fair word of warning to those cliffhanger-haters: this book has one. A pretty big one, which I normally hate, but I loved it in this case. I loved the direction the next installment seems to be heading and lucky for me, the next installment was just re-released yesterday :)
Rhiannon's Law #1 (or, perhaps that should be Meigan's Law #1) - Go. Read this book. Now.
November 15, 2015
4.5 stars
This book managed to hook me from the start; I loved it instantly. I think it was something about the characters, the writing style, the interesting storyline, the hilarious lines, or maybe a combination of everything. Actually, what I really think it was, was the main character Rhiannon. She seemed real to me… she wasn’t some whiny little girl, she was a bad-ass and could handle her own business, but she did get scared as a normal person should in similar situations.
The bad…
I sometimes thought that the story lacked in describing things; things just simply were, and sometimes those things didn’t make sense. Now correct me if I’m wrong, but I’ve never heard of a necromancer that was able to ‘share’ their powers through physical contact with another person? And why did she have to touch the gross mangled bodies in order to communicate with them? But then again, the author could simply be writing a new twist to the concept, and that’s fine. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I still refuse to believe that vampires could EVER be sparkly.
I thought that the explanation given for how vampires were created was a little off. Plus the whole Sienna making deals with demons… ehh. I don’t know but it didn’t seem to fit well with the rest of the story for me.
Disco. Oh Disco. Loved the character, but his name drove me nuts. For at least the first half of the book I would cringe everytime I read it, but slowly but surely I just got used to it. I mean I guess it was meant to be a nickname, but everybody called him Disco. I mean really, what was so wrong with Gabriel? That’s a perfectly decent name.
The good…
The story behind Rhiannon and the reason for why she is how she is was crazy, but it really explained a lot. I’ve read stories before where a character is traumatized because of a past event or whatever and when the big reveal finally happens it usually causes eye rolls and a few ‘Oh get over yourself.’ But she definitely went through some fucked up shit, and it really helps to explain her actions.
I was really worried going in to reading this that the ending was going to have me screaming with frustration because I can’t handle cliff-hangers… at all. But WOW! What an ending. I was totally not expecting anything like that!! It was a cliff-hanger for sure, but now I’m really excited for The Renfield Syndrome.
This book managed to hook me from the start; I loved it instantly. I think it was something about the characters, the writing style, the interesting storyline, the hilarious lines, or maybe a combination of everything. Actually, what I really think it was, was the main character Rhiannon. She seemed real to me… she wasn’t some whiny little girl, she was a bad-ass and could handle her own business, but she did get scared as a normal person should in similar situations.
The bad…
I sometimes thought that the story lacked in describing things; things just simply were, and sometimes those things didn’t make sense. Now correct me if I’m wrong, but I’ve never heard of a necromancer that was able to ‘share’ their powers through physical contact with another person? And why did she have to touch the gross mangled bodies in order to communicate with them? But then again, the author could simply be writing a new twist to the concept, and that’s fine. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I still refuse to believe that vampires could EVER be sparkly.
I thought that the explanation given for how vampires were created was a little off. Plus the whole Sienna making deals with demons… ehh. I don’t know but it didn’t seem to fit well with the rest of the story for me.
Disco. Oh Disco. Loved the character, but his name drove me nuts. For at least the first half of the book I would cringe everytime I read it, but slowly but surely I just got used to it. I mean I guess it was meant to be a nickname, but everybody called him Disco. I mean really, what was so wrong with Gabriel? That’s a perfectly decent name.
The good…
The story behind Rhiannon and the reason for why she is how she is was crazy, but it really explained a lot. I’ve read stories before where a character is traumatized because of a past event or whatever and when the big reveal finally happens it usually causes eye rolls and a few ‘Oh get over yourself.’ But she definitely went through some fucked up shit, and it really helps to explain her actions.
I was really worried going in to reading this that the ending was going to have me screaming with frustration because I can’t handle cliff-hangers… at all. But WOW! What an ending. I was totally not expecting anything like that!! It was a cliff-hanger for sure, but now I’m really excited for The Renfield Syndrome.
July 17, 2011
3.5 stars, but I was entertained enough to bump it up.
Full Review posted at Badass book reviews
So. Girl walks into a bar, and spies three guys sitting near the pool table. She walks up casually and says Anyone up for a straight game of eights? The three guys look her over and say sure She wracks em up, and asks their names. Guy one says Cash guy two says Paine Guy three says Disco Girl stops and glances at said Disco. Flashes him a grin and says no bell bottoms so She turns to Cash and Paine and raises an eyebrow and says don't you know Disco is dead? all three men bust out laughing and leave the girl shaking her head.
No really. It doesn't happen like that, but it made me laugh thinking it, so I figured I might as well share it with all of you peeps.
Rhiannon's had it tough. Currently she works as a bartender at Black Panther. For the most part I liked Rhiannon, she was compelling, in darker way. I'll let her tell you about her past, and what made her who she is today.
Disco (God what a name!) totally laugh out loud and cringe worthy at the same time. Anyways, Disco, who we later learn does have a human name, is a vampire. He is head of the family. I took this kind of like the Mafia, but they aren't Mafia like really. I really like Disco as a character, though I have no idea why he is the head of the family, for all intents and purposes, this novel sort of made him un important during crucial moments.
I liked Ethan, AKA Goose. In fact, I liked most of the characters in this novel.
The plot was interesting, though not fully utilized in my opinion, it was kind of choppy. Some scenes weren't really explained to my liking, but I just went with it. Some might have issues technically with this novel, as there are some plot holes and jumping around. But overall, I was interested enough to over look the issues.
Dead, Undead or Somewhere in Between is a darker urban fantasy novel. Though it wasn't as gruesome as I first thought it was going to be.
I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. That's all I can say about that. It's a cliffhanger. Sort-of. It came from left field, though I did find it funny. I mean really. They did tell her who NOT TO TALK TO.
DUH.
I'll read the next one, though I am not rushing, (is it even out yet? off to check)
Full Review posted at Badass book reviews
So. Girl walks into a bar, and spies three guys sitting near the pool table. She walks up casually and says Anyone up for a straight game of eights? The three guys look her over and say sure She wracks em up, and asks their names. Guy one says Cash guy two says Paine Guy three says Disco Girl stops and glances at said Disco. Flashes him a grin and says no bell bottoms so She turns to Cash and Paine and raises an eyebrow and says don't you know Disco is dead? all three men bust out laughing and leave the girl shaking her head.
No really. It doesn't happen like that, but it made me laugh thinking it, so I figured I might as well share it with all of you peeps.
Rhiannon's had it tough. Currently she works as a bartender at Black Panther. For the most part I liked Rhiannon, she was compelling, in darker way. I'll let her tell you about her past, and what made her who she is today.
Disco (God what a name!) totally laugh out loud and cringe worthy at the same time. Anyways, Disco, who we later learn does have a human name, is a vampire. He is head of the family. I took this kind of like the Mafia, but they aren't Mafia like really. I really like Disco as a character, though I have no idea why he is the head of the family, for all intents and purposes, this novel sort of made him un important during crucial moments.
I liked Ethan, AKA Goose. In fact, I liked most of the characters in this novel.
The plot was interesting, though not fully utilized in my opinion, it was kind of choppy. Some scenes weren't really explained to my liking, but I just went with it. Some might have issues technically with this novel, as there are some plot holes and jumping around. But overall, I was interested enough to over look the issues.
Dead, Undead or Somewhere in Between is a darker urban fantasy novel. Though it wasn't as gruesome as I first thought it was going to be.
I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. That's all I can say about that. It's a cliffhanger. Sort-of. It came from left field, though I did find it funny. I mean really. They did tell her who NOT TO TALK TO.
DUH.
I'll read the next one, though I am not rushing, (is it even out yet? off to check)
April 18, 2010
“Rhiannon’s Law #27: When you’re working in a gentleman’s club and one of your dancers takes off those heels, alert the big guns, an ass kicking is on the menu.”
From t he very first sentence, literally, of Dead Undead or Somewhere in Between, I liked Rhiannon Murphy. In fact, I have a little bit of a girl crush on her (just don’t tell my girlfriend, Kate Beckinsale – she gets jealous if my attentions are focused elsewhere). Rhiannon is witty as hell, snarky as all get out, and supremely badass. She doesn’t take shit from anyone, and has absolutely no issue with telling you to fuck off.
My kind of girl.
She has more going on than just her foul mouth and snarky attitude though. She’s a necromancer (she can talk to the dead) and apparently a rather gifted one. She also has a layer of vulnerability that she doesn’t show to just anyone, making her more human and relatable. Yeah, I like her a lot.
Disco, the vampire who hires her to find out what happened to some of his brethren, comes off as kind of a dickwad at first. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like him when he first approached Rhiannon, but as the plot unfolded, I realized that not only do I like Disco, but I want to add him to my list of Book Boyfriends. In fact, he’s reserved a spot at the very top. That is to say… Disco is hot, hot, HOT! A broody, dark vampire with a hidden soft side (and I’m a sucker –no pun intended- for a vampire with a soft side).
The supporting characters were all interesting and well-developed (Goose and Paine are my favorites – and also added to my list of Book Boyfriends, though Disco is still higher up on the list) and I really hope to see more of them when JA Saare releases The Renfield Syndrome.
Honestly, the only issue I had with the book was that the ending was such a cliffhanger – but it did leave the door wide open (and me panting) for the sequel.
From t he very first sentence, literally, of Dead Undead or Somewhere in Between, I liked Rhiannon Murphy. In fact, I have a little bit of a girl crush on her (just don’t tell my girlfriend, Kate Beckinsale – she gets jealous if my attentions are focused elsewhere). Rhiannon is witty as hell, snarky as all get out, and supremely badass. She doesn’t take shit from anyone, and has absolutely no issue with telling you to fuck off.
My kind of girl.
She has more going on than just her foul mouth and snarky attitude though. She’s a necromancer (she can talk to the dead) and apparently a rather gifted one. She also has a layer of vulnerability that she doesn’t show to just anyone, making her more human and relatable. Yeah, I like her a lot.
Disco, the vampire who hires her to find out what happened to some of his brethren, comes off as kind of a dickwad at first. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like him when he first approached Rhiannon, but as the plot unfolded, I realized that not only do I like Disco, but I want to add him to my list of Book Boyfriends. In fact, he’s reserved a spot at the very top. That is to say… Disco is hot, hot, HOT! A broody, dark vampire with a hidden soft side (and I’m a sucker –no pun intended- for a vampire with a soft side).
The supporting characters were all interesting and well-developed (Goose and Paine are my favorites – and also added to my list of Book Boyfriends, though Disco is still higher up on the list) and I really hope to see more of them when JA Saare releases The Renfield Syndrome.
Honestly, the only issue I had with the book was that the ending was such a cliffhanger – but it did leave the door wide open (and me panting) for the sequel.
July 17, 2022
There are not many series that grab me right from the first book....most of the time the first book in a series has a lot of world building and character development that takes a bit of time to make me fall head over heels with the series and characters. Thankfully that was so not the case with this book. I was hooked within the first 10 pages and Ms. Saare reeled me in for the long haul.
Rhiannon is a 25 year-old bartender at a strip club, she also happens to be a Necromancer, which in laymen's terms means she can see and sometimes communicate with dead people. But, her power extends beyond just the regular dead, she can also see the undead dead....meaning vampires when they pass on. This gift will come in handy to a certain vampire and his "family" when some of their own start to go missing.
"Disco"/Gabriel, the sexy hot 170+ vampire decides to use Rhiannon's gift when he needs help solving the mystery of what is happening to certain "family" members that are disappearing. She needs a bit of convincing but hell, if Disco flashed those beautiful blue eyes at me I would jump to help.
Needless to say they team up to solve the mystery and stop a killer from striking again. The chemistry is super yummy between Rhiannon and Disco. The story is action packed and has just the right amount of sarcastic humor to have me laughing out loud in parts. All in all an excellent first book and I will definitely continue with this series.
Ps. Totally blown away by the ending...I did not see that coming at all.
First read 10/28/12 - 10/30/12
Second read 1/3/16-1/5/16
Rhiannon is a 25 year-old bartender at a strip club, she also happens to be a Necromancer, which in laymen's terms means she can see and sometimes communicate with dead people. But, her power extends beyond just the regular dead, she can also see the undead dead....meaning vampires when they pass on. This gift will come in handy to a certain vampire and his "family" when some of their own start to go missing.
"Disco"/Gabriel, the sexy hot 170+ vampire decides to use Rhiannon's gift when he needs help solving the mystery of what is happening to certain "family" members that are disappearing. She needs a bit of convincing but hell, if Disco flashed those beautiful blue eyes at me I would jump to help.
Needless to say they team up to solve the mystery and stop a killer from striking again. The chemistry is super yummy between Rhiannon and Disco. The story is action packed and has just the right amount of sarcastic humor to have me laughing out loud in parts. All in all an excellent first book and I will definitely continue with this series.
Ps. Totally blown away by the ending...I did not see that coming at all.
First read 10/28/12 - 10/30/12
Second read 1/3/16-1/5/16
September 8, 2012
...I thoroughly enjoyed Rhiannon's adventure and meeting the other characters in this book, especially Disco/Gabriel - there is definate room for some spectacular adventure with both Rhiannon and Disco in the next few books (waiting in anticipation!).
Rhiannon has a past that I was eager to find out about and when I did, I gasped for her! She is a private person and refuses to allow her past to come forward - and when it does, you get why she is such a stubborn gal! Her powers are going to be amazing in the coming books, I can just see it!!!
Disco/Gabriel, I don't think we have seen much of this sexy vamp yet, I rather expect he will be dousing us in his powers in later books, he is a bit of a mystery at the moment, one I'm wanting to solve!
The storyline is good, I must admit I was a little confused at the vocabulary at times and there were a lot of characters swinging by that I was instantly forgetting, so when they popped up later, I was like "wow, which one are you again?"... however, once I was into the plot, things worked out really well and I really enjoyed the whole thing...
Again, once the plot took hold, I likened the storyline to Keri Arthur's books and Elle Jasper's, two authors I truly love... J. A. Saare could be up there for me if the following books are as good as I think they can be.
I really look forward to reading the next book real soon...
Rhiannon has a past that I was eager to find out about and when I did, I gasped for her! She is a private person and refuses to allow her past to come forward - and when it does, you get why she is such a stubborn gal! Her powers are going to be amazing in the coming books, I can just see it!!!
Disco/Gabriel, I don't think we have seen much of this sexy vamp yet, I rather expect he will be dousing us in his powers in later books, he is a bit of a mystery at the moment, one I'm wanting to solve!
The storyline is good, I must admit I was a little confused at the vocabulary at times and there were a lot of characters swinging by that I was instantly forgetting, so when they popped up later, I was like "wow, which one are you again?"... however, once I was into the plot, things worked out really well and I really enjoyed the whole thing...
Again, once the plot took hold, I likened the storyline to Keri Arthur's books and Elle Jasper's, two authors I truly love... J. A. Saare could be up there for me if the following books are as good as I think they can be.
I really look forward to reading the next book real soon...
January 16, 2011
How awesome was Rhiannon?! I'm a huge fan of the heroines that have that "don't fuck with me" attitude. She was very blunt and a complete smart-ass with a foul mouth. I loved it ;). Rhiannon is a very rare necromancer who can see and communicate with the twice-dead. You won't be surprised to find out that a very sexy vampire needs to use her special skills and even though she dislikes him in the beginning, they fall for each other in the end. I don't think I'm giving too much away because we have read this a thousand times, right? That being said, I still loved Disco and Rhiannon together. I also really liked Goose and Paine. I thought Goose and Rhiannon would have made a cute couple, but it didn't work out that way. This is the era of the vamp, so they are always going to get the girl ;)
The ending is a big WTF! It's cruel to end the story that way considering the book came out in February of last year and the next one won't be out until "sometime" in the fall. That's just mean Saare. I'm impatient and I hate waiting, but I will definitely be picking up the next one the day it comes out.
Oh, and I have to mention that Lyndsey, being the wonderful Goodreads friend that she is, pointed out that this is available in Amazon's kindle store for 99 cents. So download it right now!
The ending is a big WTF! It's cruel to end the story that way considering the book came out in February of last year and the next one won't be out until "sometime" in the fall. That's just mean Saare. I'm impatient and I hate waiting, but I will definitely be picking up the next one the day it comes out.
Oh, and I have to mention that Lyndsey, being the wonderful Goodreads friend that she is, pointed out that this is available in Amazon's kindle store for 99 cents. So download it right now!
April 3, 2011
Noooooooo the ending was pure torture!! The next book better come out soon or I'll go crazy.
There were so many characters in this book that I absolutely loved. J.A. Saare really knows how to write characters with depth and great personalities. Rhiannon is fucking awesome, she has the whole 'don't piss me off or I'll kick your ass' mentality. She mouths off at everyone and I laughed so many times. My favorite guys are Disco, Goose and Paine. Especially Paine, really hope we get to see more of him in the next book.
I thought the story line was pretty good and I never once came across a slow point in the book. Was very well put together and I loved the whole James Bond thing Rhiannon and Goose had going on. Great start to a promising series.
There were so many characters in this book that I absolutely loved. J.A. Saare really knows how to write characters with depth and great personalities. Rhiannon is fucking awesome, she has the whole 'don't piss me off or I'll kick your ass' mentality. She mouths off at everyone and I laughed so many times. My favorite guys are Disco, Goose and Paine. Especially Paine, really hope we get to see more of him in the next book.
I thought the story line was pretty good and I never once came across a slow point in the book. Was very well put together and I loved the whole James Bond thing Rhiannon and Goose had going on. Great start to a promising series.
July 12, 2012
AMAZING! What a great 1st story! Rhiannon and "Disco" the vampire have great chemistry!
With a hidden past, bartender Rhiannon has come to terms with her abilities. But that didn't mean she wanted to share them. With anybody. Especially not vampires! Disco tries to lead her to help his family find out who's committing crimes against the vampires of NY. She's having none of it. At least not until she feels threatened by another faction. A bunch of steamy attraction and the witty sarcasm of Rhiannon will make you laugh and gasp out loud, you might even get a bit of a surprise in a couple of places.
Special thanks to Magda for the recommend!
With a hidden past, bartender Rhiannon has come to terms with her abilities. But that didn't mean she wanted to share them. With anybody. Especially not vampires! Disco tries to lead her to help his family find out who's committing crimes against the vampires of NY. She's having none of it. At least not until she feels threatened by another faction. A bunch of steamy attraction and the witty sarcasm of Rhiannon will make you laugh and gasp out loud, you might even get a bit of a surprise in a couple of places.
Special thanks to Magda for the recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews